Ingredients

Makes enough for four hungry people

  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 3 generous tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan (or any hard cheese)
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds (or any nuts or seeds)
  • 2 large handfuls watercress (or any dark green leaves – spinach, rocket and kale make great alternatives but try anything!)
  • 1 small handful basil leaves

The recipe

Pesto is a really simple way to amp up your veg intake – or to sneak some extra veg into a fussy-eater’s diet … trust me, I speak from experience! Jars of pesto used to be a staple store-cupboard ingredient for me until I realized just how easy it is to make your own! As you’ll see from the recipe, I mix and match whatever ingredients I have in the kitchen, and I like to really bulk up the amount of greens so that it delivers a really nutritious punch.

I find this makes enough for 4 hungry people in a pasta dish, but you can freeze any extra for future use.

Method

  • Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth – or to the consistency you like
  • If the blender is struggling, add more lemon juice or a little water to loosen